Like many nations in the world, Singapore has had to reposition its economy to thrive in the post-Covid 19 world. However, with its economy recovering and gradually meeting its demand-supply frictions, the country is projected to have a 4.4% GDP growth forecast in 2022.
Judging from its annual average unemployment figures of about 5% in the heart of the pandemic, the Singaporean economy has almost recovered to its pre-pandemic unemployment rate. The annual average unemployment rate currently stands at about 2.7%.
In other words, a whopping 97.3% of the nation’s eligible workforce are employed. So naturally, this makes the country a common destination for foreigners looking to move and work.
In-Demand Jobs in Singapore
As the economy recovers, emphasis is placed on ensuring its citizens and Permanent Residents (PR) access jobs. However, there is still a demand (as always) for foreigners to fill the void.
As a foreigner, gaining employment is much easier when applying for in-demand jobs. Therefore, to better position oneself for these opportunities, a clear understanding of the in-demand skills, industry, and jobs become a priority.
Here are some skills to secure jobs in today’s Singaporean economy as a foreigner.
- Cyber security
- Data analysis
- Software Developer/Engineer
- UX/UI
- Engineering
- Programming languages – JavaScript, SQL, and Python
- AI and cloud computing
- Market research
- Digital marketing
- Customer service and management
- Photoshop
With either or a combination of the above skills, you’re better poised to secure employment in Singapore.
Before jumping right into the in-demand jobs and industries, it’s important to note that you have to be eligible to work in Singapore before you are offered a job.
Are you eligible to work in Singapore?
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all foreigners to have a work pass before securing a job. In no particular order of superiority, here are the in-demand jobs in Singapore today!
Tech Jobs
A quick look at some in-demand skills shows that a majority fall within the tech industry. As Singapore looks to take its place in the world’s tech industry, the country continues to grow and promote its technology industry more than ever before.
To achieve this, The country’s Economic Development Board (EDB) introduced a special work permit for tech expats to quickly help them gain employment in the country. The work permit pass is called the Tech.Pass.
As a foreigner with the necessary skills and experience in the tech industry, the Tech.Pass allows you to work for multiple companies simultaneously and create a startup company in Singapore.
Some of these in-demand tech jobs in Singapore include:
AI Specialist
These tech-based professionals are responsible for programming computers to simulate human thinking. They are also known as AI scientists, AI engineers, or AI developers.
Data Analyst
They identify, collect, analyse, and interpret data to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions. They are also known as Data Scientists.
Software Developer
They produce software for users based on efficient coding and specifications to run programs.
UX/UI Professional
They develop user-friendly designs and interfaces for businesses and individuals. In today’s world of gadgets and computers, they help collect, research, and evaluate users’ interactions with these digital tools.
Robotics Engineer
In a world moving towards automation, the services of Robotics Engineers are on the rise. The same holds true in a country like Singapore, looking into the advancement of technology.
Cyber Security Specialist
Most of the world’s businesses are currently heading towards establishing an online presence. As a result, cyber security specialists continue to be in demand more than ever.
Digital Marketing
These managers develop, evaluate, and implement strategies for businesses and brands.
E-Commerce Specialist
Like in the conventional world, these specialists manage and implement strategies for online business sales.
DevOps Engineer
They act as an interface between engineers and coders by closely working with coders and programmers to develop functional systems software.
Engineering industry
Boasting some of the world’s technologically advanced structures, Singapore is heavily invested in pushing its engineering sector by hiring the best talents continuously.
With the ever-growing real estate, aerospace, mechanical, and chemical industries, foreigners with quality work experience are constantly in demand.
Finance industry
As a nation with a financially sound economy, the finance industry is one of the highest paying in Singapore. Some of the in-demand jobs in this industry are Treasury Managers, Funds/Portfolio Managers, Finance Managers, and Foreign Exchange/Securities Brokers.
Health industry
The post-pandemic Singaporean economy, more than ever before, is looking for highly qualified health practitioners to help meet its health demands. As a result, the health industry offers one of the highest average salaries at competitive rates.
The industry is actively recruiting Health Managing Directors, Specialist Medical practitioners, General physicians, and Clinical Specialists.
Human Resource Professional
These managers are part of the backbone of any business. They help manage the recruitment, training, and payroll of employees. In addition, as more businesses are created in the country, there’s a rising need for these professionals to help hire the best talents and staff for the growth of companies.
Creative Copywriter
These professionals help make or break a company’s product sales. There’s an increasing need for copywriters to help promote the product and services of businesses. As more new local companies spring up in Singapore, the services of expat creative copywriters with the necessary experience are on the rise.
Conclusion
Singapore is considered one of the top destinations for foreigners in Asia. Economically, they are ranked among the top 40 countries in the world.
Like many countries living in the post-pandemic world, Singapore is looking for foreigners to help build and grow the economy. As part of its drive to develop its tech industry, the country has set aside a special work visa pass. This is to enable tech-based foreigners with experience to help grow the sector.
Apart from tech jobs, there are several other in-demand jobs for foreigners to take advantage of in today’s Singapore. So if you have the right skill sets go ahead and apply for these jobs. We wish you all the best for your next job hunt!